Julián Álvarez misses Atlético Madrid training

Julián Álvarez did not take part in Atlético Madrid’s return to training in Majadahonda on Wednesday, August 26. The Argentine did not report to the training ground at all, with club sources explaining that he had endured a difficult night and was feeling unwell.

The official explanation has done little to stop the speculation. The striker wants to leave Atlético, with Barcelona remaining his preferred destination, but the Rojiblancos are unwilling to entertain a deal with the Catalan club.

El Club de Uría broke the news shortly before the session began, with reporters at the training ground later confirming Julián's absence. The timing could hardly do more to fuel speculation, with his future still unresolved and the transfer window entering its final stretch.

Julián faced boos at the Metropolitano

The absence comes just days after Julián endured a difficult afternoon during Atlético Madrid’s draw with Villarreal. The striker was met with boos and chants from sections of the Metropolitano crowd amid his ongoing push to leave the club.

For now, Atlético maintain that illness was the reason behind Wednesday's absence. Attention will now turn to the next training session to see whether Julián returns to work as normal.

Atlético only open the door to a Premier League move

Atlético Madrid remain firm on one key point: they do not want to sell Julián Álvarez to Barcelona. If the Argentine insists on leaving, however, the club would be prepared to consider offers from the Premier League.

Arsenal are among the interested clubs, although signing Julián would come at a huge cost. Atlético are reportedly demanding €150 million, preferably paid up front, before agreeing to a transfer.

There is another major obstacle: Julián does not want to return to England. If neither side changes its position, the striker remains under contract until 2030, with a €490 million release clause.

Atlético and Barcelona's dispute continues

The situation has also moved beyond the transfer market. Atlético Madrid filed a complaint against Barcelona, accusing the Catalan club of negotiating with Julián Álvarez while the striker was still within the protected period of his contract.

The case is now with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), which will determine whether there are grounds to proceed.

Julián was not Atlético's only absentee. Alexander Sorloth remains sidelined with a muscle injury, while Ademola Lookman and Cristian 'Cuti' Romero trained individually.

The 3 keys to the Rojiblanco tension

• Sudden absence: Julian Alvarez did not attend Atletico Madrid's training session in Majadahonda, citing an alleged medical illness.
• Conditional exit: The Colchonero board maintains its stance of not selling him to FC Barcelona and will only accept a €150 million offer from Arsenal.
• Legal blockade: The Rojiblanco squad reaffirms its refusal to negotiate with the Catalan club as the official lawsuit progresses before the RFEF for improper contact.

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